Evaluation of differently processed African star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito ) kernel meal as feed for growing rabbits

Abstract

A 12-week study was carried out to examine the effect of substituting dietary maize with differently processed African star apple kernel meal (ASAKM) on growth performance, blood indices and economic benefits of growing rabbits. A total of 60 weaner rabbits (mixed breed, average weight, 590g) were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments comprising of 10% each of boiled, fermented, roasted and soaked African star apple kernel meal as substitute for dietary maize. Diet 1 (0%ASAKM) served as the control diet. Each of the five treatments was replicated thrice. Each replicate had four rabbits in a Completely Randomized Design. Rabbits fed diets containing 10 % boiled and 10 % roasted ASAKM gained weight (P<0.05) faster than those fed other diets. Feed conversion ratio was significantly better (P<0.05) for rabbits fed BASAKM and RASAKM diets. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in the blood parameters measured except the white blood cell (WBC), alkaline phosphate(ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferases (ALT) (P<0.05). Economic analysis showed significant differences (P<0.05) in all the parameters measured. Cost of feed/kg was significantly reduced (P<0.05) with inclusion of ASAKM in rabbit diets. Production cost and revenue (₦) were better (P<0.05) among rabbits fed Boiled ASAKM diet. It was concluded that either BASAKM or Roasted ASAKM can replace 10 % dietary maize in the diets of growing rabbits without compromising growth performance, blood profiles and economic benefits of growing rabbits.